Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. His claim for right shoulder disability is pending as it has not been adjudicated yet.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the residuals of a right mid-clavicle fracture with shortening, finding that the Veteran's arm motion is limited at the shoulder level. The compensable rating for the residuals of a right fifth metacarpal fracture and associated wrist symptoms remains unchanged.

The Veteran's service-connected scars of the right thumb and residuals of a right thumb injury with angulation defect and osteoarthritis are rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis, back disorder, and diabetes mellitus were not incurred or aggravated by service. The VA examiner determined that there was insufficient evidence to link these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder, cervical spine, and thoracolumbar spine conditions are not service-connected as they were not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, which has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip degenerative disease and bilateral knee arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with osteoarthritis. The Veteran is also granted a rating of 10 percent for his lumbar strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, manifested by degenerative arthritis of the spine and spinal stenosis, is related to injuries sustained during service. As such, the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right wrist disability, including reconciling medical records showing various diagnoses. The Veteran is also asked to provide any outstanding treatment records from September 2016.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection. The TDIU issue is remanded as it requires further development.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's foot and knee disabilities, as well as his lumbar spine disability, are not currently addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the loss of use of both lower extremities, precluding locomotion without the aid of a left leg brace and right prosthetic leg or wheelchair. The Board has awarded specially adapted housing due to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an updated VA examination and the acquisition of any outstanding VA treatment records. The TDIU claim will also be developed on remand.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that new evidence did not establish a current disability or link it to service.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, with service connection for a recurrent groin area muscle disorder secondary to his service-connected left iliac crest fracture residuals. The effective date of the award and initial evaluation are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, and his claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, weak feet, and osteoarthritis was rated as 10 percent prior to January 30, 2014, and 50 percent thereafter. The Board found the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities have been granted, with the effective date being March 27, 2015. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for each knee.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed back and shoulder disabilities are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation, nor can it be established as secondary to any service-connected disability.